Mixing valve



Dec. 23, 196.9 B. M. WALKER. 3,485,454

' MIXING VALVE l y Filed Nov. zo, 1967 ILII Patented Dec. 23, 1969 MIXING VALVE Byron M. Walker, 53 Wexmar St., Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia Filed Nov. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 684,221 Claims priority, application Australia, Nov. 23, 1966, 14,314/ 66 Int. Cl. Bb 7/ 04, 7 26 U-S. Cl. 239-434 9 Claims ABSTRACT 0F THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to mixing valves and refers more particularly to mixing valves of the type wherein a venturi causes the liquid to be mixed -to be drawn into the water stream for dispensing therewith.

Various types of mixing valves of the aforesaid kind have been devised for attachment to water taps whereby detergent or other liquid has been automatically mixed with the discharging water. However, these have been found unsuitable for several reasons amongst which is the risk of entry of the detergent or liquid to the water service pipes, especially in the case of multistorey buildings. Also, it has been found that the water drawn from the tap immediately after using a mixing valve contained traces of the detergent or other liquid. Further, unless the dispenser unit is rendered completely inoperative after use, there is the danger of the detergent or other liquid being drawn oh accidentally with the water for domestic purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mixing valve for attachment to water taps, which is simple and economical and which overcomes the aforementioned problems. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, a mixing valve for attachment to a water tap comprises a main outlet passage having provision for attachment to a water tap, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage through a by-pass and means for supplying a material or liquid to said secondary outlet passage to be mixed with the water, said material or liquid being drawn 01T by venturi action and said main outlet having valve means which in one position permits the free ow of water from the tap through said main outlet passage and which in another position prevents the flow of water through the main outlet passage and causes the water from the tap to flow through said by-pass and secondary `outlet passage.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of particular embodiments which may be preferred, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG-URE 1 is a perspective view of a mixing valve according to the invention attached to a water outlet;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevational view of the mixing valve of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional plan view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, showing the valve in position for ydelivering water only through a main outlet;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevational vie-w similar to FIGURE 2 but showing the valve in position for delivering water and detergent through a secondary outlet; and

FIGURE 5 is a sectional elevational view of a mixing valve in accordance with a modification of the invention.

A mixing valve in accordance with FIGURES l to 4 comprises a main outlet 10 in a hollow pipe-like member 11 having a top portion 12 threaded internally at 13 for attachment to the threadedA bib 14 of a water tap. Immediately beneath the female threaded portion 13 of the pipe, the internal diameter is reduced to provide a venturi 15. A by-pass tube or venturi connector 16 is screwed into the side wall of the pipe member 11 for communication with the throat of the venturi 15 and the other end of said venturi connector 16 is screwed or otherwise suitably attached to the top portion of a secondary outlet member 17, the purpose and operation of which will be hereinafter described.

The portion 18 of the main outlet pipe beneath the venturi is of a diameter substantially equal to that of top or female threaded portion and is provided with a valve 19 and valve control means for determining whether the ow of water is to be through said main outlet pipe or said secondary outlet.

The valve 19 comprises a hollow stem 20 and a convex ydomed top 21 of a diameter less than the internal diameter of the portion 18 to permit water to ow over and past the top 21 and enter the hollow stem 204 through a plurality of radial holes 22 in the top of the stem 20 immediately beneath the top 21.

A threaded plug member 23 having a central opening to permit the valve stem 20 to pass therethrough is screwed into the lower end of the pipe member l11, thereby :substantially sealing it off. The seal is completed by a ring washer 24 engaging the stem 20. At the inner end of the plug 23 there is provided a further ring washer 25 forming a seating for the undersurface of the domed top 21 when in its lowermost or detergent dispensing position. When in this lowermost position, water is prevented from entering the holes 22 in the stem 20. An O-ring iseal 26 is retained in a circumferential groove 27 to prevent leakage of water between the plug 23 and pipe member 11.

The lower end of the valve stem 20 is threaded externally at 28 and is adapted to receive an anti-splash nozzle 29 of conventional type. A spacer member 30 is threaded onto the stem 20 and may be adjusted to vary the uppermost position of the valve.

A helical compression spring 31 surrounds the stem 20 and is seated on the washer 24 and engages the under surface of the domed top 21.

The whole valve assembly is capable of limited axial movement in the main outlet bore, such movement being limited at one position by the domed valve top 21 abutting against the washer 25 on the top end of the plug member 23 and at the other position by the spacer member 30 abutting against the outer end of the plug 23. However, the movement is suicient to permit relatively free ilow of water through the main outlet bore and delivery nozzle When the assembly is in its upper or innermost position and to divert the iiow of water through the venturi connector 16 when the assembly is in its lower or outermost position.

This is achieved as follows: The helical compression spring 31 normally holds the domed valve top 21 spaced from the rubber sealing washer 25 and top of the plug member 23, thereby permitting water to flow through the radial holes 22 in the valve stem and through the centre of the stem 20 and delivery nozzle. When it is desired to divert the flow through the venturi connector 16, the valve assembly is pulled outwardly, thereby pulling the valve top against the action of the compression spring 31 to seal against the rubber sealing washer 25.

The pressure of water issuing from the tap is suicient to hold the valve in sealing engagement and thus water is discharged through the only free outlet, viz., the venturi connector. As soon as the tap is turned off, the release of water pressure on the top valve allows the compression spring to break the seal and thus, when the tap is next turned on, the water flows directly through the main outlet.

As hereinbefore mentioned, a venturi connector 16 is screwed into the main outlet pipe 11 in communication with the throat of the venturi 15, the other end of said venturi connector 16 being screwed into the upper end of the secondary outlet 17. The secondary outlet 17 is a pipe of diameter slightly less than that of the main outlet and as in the case of the main outlet, the secondary outlet pipe has a venturi 32 immediately beneath the water inlet. A tube 33 for connecting said secondary venturi 32 with a supply of detergent is screwed or otherwise axed to the secondary pipe for communication with the throat of said secondary venturi 32. Thus, when the flow of Water is diverted through -said secondary pipe, detergent is drawn from supply through the detergent tube 33 into the venturi throat for admixture with the water being discharged through said secondary outlet.

The lower or discharge end 34 of the secondary pipe is preferably provided with a threaded portion 35 onto which a knurled gauze retainer cap 36 is screwed. The gauze 37, which may be of any desired material or gauge, is retained against the end of the secondary outlet by means of said retainer cap 36.

The detergent or other liquid may be supplied through a tube having a non-return valve therein. The tube 33 has an adjustable valve 38 for controlling the amount of detergent admitted. The valve 38 is adjusted by screwing it towards or away from the secondary venturi, thereby decreasing or increasing the amount of detergent admitted.

In accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 5, the operation of the valve assembly is similar to that as hereinbefore described in that in one position water ows through the main outlet and in another position the ow is diverted through the venturi connector. In this embodiment the valve assembly comprises a domed valve 40 having a short stem 41. The stem 41 is carried at the top of a helical compression spring 42 mounted in a central bore of a slidable plug member 43. The central bore 44 is threaded and receives a threaded stem 4S onto which is screwed an anti-splash nozzle 46 of conventional type. The stem 45 may be axially adjustable in the bore 44 for varying the compression of the spring 42.

At the inner or upper end of the plug member 43 there is provided a ring washer 47 to provide a seal for the undersurface of the domed valve 40.

On the top of the domed valve 40 there is a worm-like spring 48 which prevents the valve 4() from sealing the venturi outlet. When the valve is in the position illustrated, water ows around the domed valve and out through the central bore 44 and nozzle 46.

In order to divert the ow through the venturi connector 16, the valve assembly including the slidable plug member 43 is pushed inwardly against the action of the compression spring 42 (in the direction of the arrows) until the valve 40 forms a uid seal with the washer 47. This is preferably performed whilst the water is flowing so that when the valve 40 seals oil? the ow through the main outlet, the pressure of water on the top of the valve 40 pushes the whole assembly outwardly but, whilst the water continues to exert pressure on the top of the valve 40, the compression spring 42 is unable to lift the valve to break the fluid seal. However, as soon as the water supply is cut oI, the compression spring lifts the valve 40 from its seating. Thus, when the supply is turned on again, the flow of water is through the main outlet.

The construction of the mixing valve in accordance with this invention is such that the liquid mixed with water is always discharged through the secondary outlet and since the water inlet to said secondary pipe is above the venturi connection to the detergent or other liquid supply, it is impossible for the detergent or other liquid to be admitted to the main discharge pipe. Thus only clear unpolluted water is discharged through the main outlet at all times.

Further, in view of the automatic opening of the valve in the main outlet bore as soon as the water supply is shut off, it is not possible to discharge polluted water for domestic purposes by accident. The provision of a main outlet and a secondary outlet further ensures that only plain water is used for domestic purposes since plain water only is discharged through the main outlet. Should the spring fail to open the valve, the water would ow through the secondary outlet when the tap was next turned on and the user would know immediately that the Water was not necessarily unpolluted and would take appropriate steps to correct the fault.

I claim:

1. A mixing valve for attachment to a water tap comprising a main outlet passage having provision for attachment to a water tap, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage through a by-pass and means for supplying a material or liquid to said secondary outlet passage to be mixed with the water, said material or liquid being drawn 01T by venturi action and said main outlet having valve means which in one position permits the free ow of water from the tap through said `main outlet passage, a compression spring means being provided to normally hold the valve means open for discharge of Water through said main outlet, and which in another poistion prevents the ow of water through the main outlet passage and causes the water from the tap to flow through said by-pass and secondary outlet passage, the pressure of water on said valve means causing said valve means to remain in this position until the pressure of water reaches a predetermined minimum whereupon said compression spring means return said valve means to its normal open position for discharge through said main outlet.

Z. A mixing valve for attachment to a water tap, comprising a main outlet passage having a threaded portion for attachment to a threaded bib of a water tap, a venturi passage immediately downstream of said threaded portion, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage by means of a by-pass tube connected to the throat of the venturi, the other end of said by-pass tube being attached to a top portion of said secondary outlet passage, said secondary passage having a venturi and means connecting the throat of said second venturi with a supply of material or liquid to be mixed with the water, said main outlet having spring-loaded valve means slidable in said main outlet, said valve means being so constructed and arranged that in one position free ow of lwater from the tap is permitted through said main outlet passage, and in another position prevents the flow of water through the main outlet passage and causes the water from the tap to flow through said by-pass and secondary outlet passage.

3. A mixing valve for attachment to a water tap, comprising a main outlet passage having a threaded portion for attachment to a threaded bib of a water tap, a venturi passage immediately downstream of said threaded portion, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage by means of a by-pass tube connecting the throat of the venturi, the other end of said by-pass tube being attached to a top portion of said secondary outlet passage, said secondary passage having a venturi and means connecting the throat of said second venturi with a supply of material or liquid to be mixed with the Water, said main outlet having spring-loaded valve means slidable in said main outlet, said valve means comprising a hollow valve stem slidable axially in said main outlet passage, a domed valve member on the top of said stem and a radical hole or plurality of radial holes in said valve stem immediately beneath said domed valve member and a helical compression spring normally holding said valve open to permit water to ilow through said main outlet passage.

4. A mixing valve as claimed in claim 3 wherein an adjustable spacer is attached to said valve stem, said spacer being adjustable to limit the opening movement 0f said valve stem.

5. A mixing valve as claimed in claim 3 wherein said valve means are slidable axially in said main outlet passage on an axial force being applied to said valve stem.

6. A mixing valve as claimed in claim 3 wherein said main outlet passage and said secondary outlet passage are parallel and are in closely spaced relationship being spaced apart by said by-pass tube.

7. A mixing valve for attachment to a water tap, comprising a main outlet passage having a threaded portion for attachment to a threaded bib of a water tap, a venturi passage immediately downstream of said threaded portion, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage by means of a by-pass tube connecting the throat of the venturi, the other end of said by-pass tube being attached to a top portion of said secondary outlet passage, said secondary passage having a venturi and means connecting the throat of said second venturi with a supply of material or liquid to be mixed with the water, said main outlet having spring-loaded valve means slidable in said main outlet, said valve means comprising a hollow valve stem slidable axially in said main outlet passage, a convex top closing the upper end of said valve stem, the diameter of said top being less than the bore of said main outlet passage to permit water to flow past said top when the valve is open, a radial hole or holes in said valve stem immediately beneath said convex top to permit water to enter said valve stem fOr discharge through said main outlet passage, a helical spring normally urging said valve means to the open position, a plug member inserted in the lower end of said main outlet passage, said plug having a passage therein to permit said valve stem to slide axially therein and sealing washers forming lluidtight seals between said valve stem and plug member and between said plug member and bore of said main outlet passage.

8. A mixing valve for attachment to a water tap, cornprising a main outlet passage having a threaded portion for attachment to a threaded bib of a water tap, a venturi passage immediately downstream of said threaded portion, a secondary outlet passage operatively connected to said main passage by means of a by-pass tube connecting the throat of the venturi, the other end of said by-pass tube being attached to a top portion of said Secondary outlet passage, said secondary passage having a venturi and means connecting the throat of said second venturi with a supply of material or liquid to be mixed with the water,

said main outlet having spring-loaded valve means slidable in said main outlet, said valve means comprising a slidable plug member having a central axial bore communicating with said outlet passage and a discharge nozzle, helical spring means mounted in said bore, a domed valve member located on the upper end of said spring, said valve member being of a diameter less than that of said outlet passage to permit water to ilow past said valve member, a sealing washer on said slidable plug providing a seating for said valve member when said valve member is closed, preventing flow of water through said main outlet passage.

9. A mixing valve as claimed in claim 8 comprising a worm-spring interposed between said domed valve member and said venturi outlet preventing said domed valve member from closing said venturi outlet.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,302,097 11/ 1942 Beckman 239--312 2,462,752 2/1949 Kocher et al 239--312 3,049,303 8/1962 Kocher u- 239-312 3,134,545 5/ 1964 Armand 239-312 3,207,443 9/ 1965 Gilmour 239--312 3,265,082 8/1966 Perlman Z39-428.5

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner U.S. C1.X.R. 

